Chesley

Latin

"fortress, walled town,"

Chesley Origin and Meaning

The name Chesley is a boy's name.

Chesley is a masculine name of Old English origin meaning 'camp clearing' or 'meadow settlement.' With roots as an English surname, it transitioned to occasional first-name use in the 19th century. The name gained modern recognition through Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, the pilot who heroically landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009. This association has given the name connotations of heroism and competence. While never extremely popular, Chesley maintains steady if uncommon usage, particularly in North America. The name has a dignified, somewhat traditional quality that balances uniqueness with familiarity, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet established name.

Chesley Rank in US Top 1000

# 939 in the US

Famous People Named Chesley

• Chesley Burnett "Sully" Sullenberger American pilot, author and activist ("Miracle on the Hudson")
• Chesley Knight Bonestell Jr., American painter and illustrator
• Chesley G. Peterson U.S. Air Force general